Easy Bake Oven Turns 45
2008 is the 45th Anniversary of one of our toy favorites, the Easy Bake Oven.
For a time they took away a lot of the classic appeal, including the light bulb, but the parents of children were not pleased and didn’t want to purchase it, because it was becoming less of its former self.
The light bulb is back and so are the happy owners of one of the best loved, classic toys.
From Hasbro:
In 1963: America’s first working toy oven, was turquoise and had a carrying handle and fake stove top. It was invented by designers at Kenner Products (now a division of Hasbro). In its first year, over 500,000 lucky kids talked their parents into spending $15.95. By its fifth birthday, the EASY-BAKE Oven was a household name.
In 1965: Hasbro introduces the Easy-Pop Corn Popper, Bubble gum set, Birthday Cake, Party set and Kid Dinners - these were mini TV-dinner-like trays partitioned into three sections to hold beef and macaroni, peas and carrots. I know, I know, (be still my stomach) but hey kids were eating their vegetables.
In 1968: General Mills creates very cool miniature boxed versions of its Betty Crocker products for the EASY-BAKE Oven. I still have some - unopened, of course.
In 1969: The Premier avocado green (which matched the shag carpet) EASY-BAKE Oven came out with more dials, a fake clock and even an oven hood.
In 1970: Avocado green was replaced by harvest gold (ah, the 70’s) when the new Super duper EASY-BAKE Oven — hit the market. It baked cakes up to twice as big as the original model and included a working 20-minute timer. 20 minutes? I thought it was 12. No wonder my cookies never crumbled.
In 1973: Since the world needed more snacks, The EASY-BAKE Potato Chip Maker makes the scene.
In 1978: The country’s favorite oven goes high tech with an orange, white and brown Mini-Wave Oven that resembled a microwave. It also had a mock digital clock that always said 12:30. Mock my eye, if it constantly read 12:30, it looked just like the clock on my microwave… my TV, my coffeemaker…
In the 80’s: The new EASY-BAKE Dual-Temp Oven let you bake treats on “high” or “low.” And, once again got a fashion maker-over - like Mom’s new appliances — white was the new black.
In 1993: The EASY-BAKE Oven & new Snack Center (with a warming tray to melt toppings) was pretty in pink.
By 1997: With more than 16 million EASY-BAKE Ovens having been sold, the product line expands to include even more delectable edibles; Crème Pups Bake Set made little cake sandwiches, All My Love Chocolates kit made candy, Tiny Turnovers Bake Set made pastries. Also, EASY-BAKE crosses the T’s and dots the I’s with Kellogg’s pop-tarts, M&M’s, Dunkin’ Donuts and Oreo Cookies… oh, stop drooling.
In 2003: EASY-BAKE Oven turns 40 and introduces the Real Meal Oven allowing kids to make full meals with their EASY-BAKE Oven including Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza and even French Fries. Additionally, EASY-BAKE takes on a brand new modern look with the new updated Deluxe microwave style oven design.
In 2007: EASY-BAKE Oven goes back to the classic style with its EASY-BAKE Oven and Snack Center.
Ahhh, the memories!
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POSTED IN: Misc. Foodie Stuff
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